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2016 Buick Envision Problems: 6 Known Issues

2016 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Buick Envision has 6 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV) ($180-$650 repair), Front Brake Hose Rupture Causing Sudden Pedal-to-Floor Brake Loss ($250-$900 repair) and Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist with DTC C056E-5A ($200-$1,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $1,600. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Envision Engine2
  • Envision Brakes1
  • Envision Steering1
  • Envision Electrical1
  • Envision Drivetrain1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine2
  • Brakes1
  • Steering1
  • Electrical1
  • Drivetrain1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 6 Known Issues

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On the 2016-2020 Buick Envision, on Gen1 Envisions the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve integrated into the cam cover sticks or fails, letting unburned fuel wash past the rings and accumulate in the crankcase. Owners find the oil level rising above the full mark, a strong gasoline smell in the oil, and a rich-running check engine light. GM addressed it with TSB 18-NA-246, which pairs a PCV valve replacement and oil change with an ECM recalibration. Left alone, the diluted oil loses viscosity and accelerates bearing and timing-chain wear.

This issue also affects: Buick Encore, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Avalanche

Common Symptoms

  • Engine oil level rises above the full mark between changes
  • Strong gasoline odor in the engine oil
  • Check engine light on
  • Rough idle or reduced fuel economy
  • Thin, watery-looking oil on the dipstick

How to Fix

Follow GM TSB 18-NA-246: replace the PCV valve/cam cover assembly, perform an oil and filter change with the correct spec oil, and reprogram the ECM with the updated calibration. Re-check oil level after several hundred miles to confirm the level is no longer climbing. If dilution ran long, inspect the timing chain for stretch before returning the car to service.

Typical repair cost:$180 - $650

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2016-2020 Buick Envision LTG 2.0L Turbo, the 2.0L LTG turbo's air-to-air charge air cooler collects condensate in its lower core. Under humid conditions or after short trips the accumulated water is slugged into the intake on a hard throttle application, causing a sudden multi-cylinder misfire, a stumble, and in some cases an underboost/turbocharger performance code. GM issued TSB 18-NA-020 with a charge air cooler replacement procedure specifically for moisture-related MIL complaints. This affects only the turbocharged LTG cars, not the naturally aspirated 2.5L LCV.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Cascada

Common Symptoms

  • Sudden shudder or stumble under acceleration
  • Check engine light with random misfire codes
  • Momentary loss of boost/power
  • Symptom worse in humid weather or after short cold trips

How to Fix

Confirm the misfire pattern is not ignition or injector related, then perform GM TSB 18-NA-020: replace the charge air cooler with the updated part and clear codes. Reprogram the ECM to the latest calibration at the same time, and check the intercooler outlet duct for standing water during diagnosis.

Typical repair cost:$450 - $1,100

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2016-2018 Buick Envision, gen1 Envisions have a cluster of NHTSA complaints describing a front flexible brake hose splitting or rupturing, dumping fluid and producing an instant loss of braking with the pedal falling to the floor. The left front hose is the most frequently reported location, with the right front and master cylinder connections also cited. Several complaints attribute the failure to the routing/spring hardware chafing the rubber hose section. Failures cluster between roughly 17,000 and 79,000 miles and typically arrive with no warning light beforehand.

Common Symptoms

  • Brake pedal suddenly goes to the floor with no stopping power
  • Brake fluid puddle or wet hose at a front wheel
  • Brake warning light and low fluid level
  • Loss of brake pressure mid-drive with no prior warning

How to Fix

Inspect both front flexible brake hoses for chafing, bulging or wetness at every brake service, paying attention to where the hose passes the spring/suspension hardware. Replace any damaged hose in pairs, correct the routing so the hose cannot contact hardware, then fully bleed and flush the hydraulic system. If fluid was contaminated or the master cylinder was run dry, flush the ABS modulator as well.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $900

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Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2016-2020 Buick Envision, envision owners report the steering going completely heavy or the wheel effectively locking, sometimes at highway speed during a merge and sometimes on the restart phase of the auto stop/start cycle. One NHTSA complaint describes total loss of assist lasting about five minutes that only cleared after an engine restart; another describes needing extreme force to regain control at 50 mph. GM TSB 17-NA-340 covers power steering service messages with loss of assist and DTC C056E-5A, which points at the power steering module supply circuit rather than a mechanical rack failure.

Common Symptoms

  • Steering suddenly becomes extremely heavy or locks up
  • Power steering warning message on the driver information center
  • Loss of assist right after auto stop/start restarts the engine
  • Assist returns only after shutting the engine off and restarting

How to Fix

Retrieve C056E-5A and follow GM TSB 17-NA-340. Inspect and repair the power steering control module supply/ground circuit and connector, verify battery and charging system output is stable (low voltage on stop/start restart is a common trigger), and reprogram the power steering module to the latest calibration. Full steering gear replacement is only warranted after the circuit and software are ruled out.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $1,500

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2016-2020 Buick Envision, a recurring Gen1 electrical failure: the instrument cluster, radio and shifter illumination go completely dark for 5-20 seconds while the vehicle is moving, then come back on their own. NHTSA reports for the 2017 describe the display going 'very dim and sometimes completely out' during reversing, which also kills the backup camera and the rear cross-traffic warnings. Some owners report the blackout coinciding with brake and steering anomalies, suggesting a shared power/ground or body control module fault rather than an isolated cluster defect. Reports span roughly 200 to 90,000 miles with a heavy cluster between 7,000 and 50,000.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Bolt EV, GMC Sierra 3500HD

Common Symptoms

  • Entire dashboard goes dark for 5-20 seconds while driving
  • Radio, shifter and dash lights blank simultaneously
  • Backup camera and rear cross traffic alert unavailable when reversing
  • Dim or flickering instrument panel illumination

How to Fix

Load-test the battery and check the negative/chassis ground straps and the underhood fuse block connections before replacing modules. Check for and install updated BCM and cluster software. If the fault persists with good power and grounds, the instrument cluster itself is replaced and programmed to the VIN. Document the intermittent event on video, since dealers commonly cannot duplicate it.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $1,200

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2016-2018 Buick Envision, early Envisions develop a pronounced front-end shake or shimmy when pulling away from a stop, typically fading by about 15 mph. Owners report it from nearly new (some at delivery mileage) and dealers frequently misdiagnosed it as tires, alignment or the steering rack - one owner had the entire steering rack replaced with no change. The actual cause was traced to the front half shafts, and GM released TSB 18-NA-233 calling for replacement of both front half shafts, which resolved the complaint after nearly two years of failed repairs for at least one documented owner.

Common Symptoms

  • Front end shakes or shimmies when taking off from a stop
  • Vibration felt through the steering wheel and floor below about 15 mph
  • Shake disappears once up to speed
  • Dealer cannot find a cause or says 'they all do that'

How to Fix

Do not chase tires, balance or the steering gear first. Apply GM TSB 18-NA-233 and replace BOTH front half shafts as a set, then re-road-test from a stop. Verify engine and transmission mounts are intact, since collapsed mounts amplify the same launch shudder.

Typical repair cost:$700 - $1,600

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

EQUIPMENT

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles. An accessory NSV Universal Tablet Holder may have been installed incorrectly onto the front seat head restraints, preventing the head restraint posts from fully engaging in the seat back. If so, the head restraints would fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."

Campaign #17V40400027/06/2017

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Campaign #18V35800031/05/2018

STRUCTURE

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement headliner as part of a repair. These service parts might not have had impact energy-absorbing foam blocks attached. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant protection in interior impact."

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Other Buick Models

Buick Encore25Buick Cascada22Buick Regal13Buick Enclave13Buick Encore GX12Buick LaCrosse11

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick Envision problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Buick Envision has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV), Front Brake Hose Rupture Causing Sudden Pedal-to-Floor Brake Loss, Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist with DTC C056E-5A. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick Envision reliable?

The 2016 Buick Envision has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV) and Front Brake Hose Rupture Causing Sudden Pedal-to-Floor Brake Loss and Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist with DTC C056E-5A. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Buick Envision problems?

Repair costs for known Buick Envision issues range from $150 to $1,600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV), typically costs $180-$650 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV)?

On Gen1 Envisions the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve integrated into the cam cover sticks or fails, letting unburned fuel wash past the rings and accumulate in the crankcase. Owners find the oil level rising above the full mark, a strong gasoline smell in the oil, and a rich-r… Repairs typically run $180-$650. Severity: high.

What is the 2016-2018 Buick Envision Front Brake Hose Rupture Causing Sudden Pedal-to-Floor Brake Loss?

Gen1 Envisions have a cluster of NHTSA complaints describing a front flexible brake hose splitting or rupturing, dumping fluid and producing an instant loss of braking with the pedal falling to the floor. The left front hose is the most frequently reported location, with the righ… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #17V41200029/06/2017

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles manufactured February 4, 2016, to April 25, 2016. The Tire and Loading Information label may display the incorrect maximum weight information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Campaign #16V51600007/07/2016

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Buick Envision vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to March 18, 2016. The the master cylinder brake lines may crack and leak brake fluid.

Campaign #16V92200021/12/2016

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist with DTC C056E-5A?

Envision owners report the steering going completely heavy or the wheel effectively locking, sometimes at highway speed during a merge and sometimes on the restart phase of the auto stop/start cycle. One NHTSA complaint describes total loss of assist lasting about five minutes th… Repairs typically run $200-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision Charge Air Cooler Moisture Intrusion Causing Misfire and Turbo Underboost (2.0T LTG)?

The 2.0L LTG turbo's air-to-air charge air cooler collects condensate in its lower core. Under humid conditions or after short trips the accumulated water is slugged into the intake on a hard throttle application, causing a sudden multi-cylinder misfire, a stumble, and in some ca… Repairs typically run $450-$1,100. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision Instrument Cluster and Center Display Blackout While Driving?

A recurring Gen1 electrical failure: the instrument cluster, radio and shifter illumination go completely dark for 5-20 seconds while the vehicle is moving, then come back on their own. NHTSA reports for the 2017 describe the display going 'very dim and sometimes completely out'… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2018 Buick Envision Front Half-Shaft Shudder Causing Shake When Accelerating From a Stop?

Early Envisions develop a pronounced front-end shake or shimmy when pulling away from a stop, typically fading by about 15 mph. Owners report it from nearly new (some at delivery mileage) and dealers frequently misdiagnosed it as tires, alignment or the steering rack - one owner… Repairs typically run $700-$1,600. Severity: medium.